Customer Reviews

Dolores Claiborne (1995 Film)

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I've listened to this soundtrack many times. The themes in the main title are the saddest and most melancholy he has ever composed. Very effective. "Vera's World" has to be one of the most strangest and schizophrenic. The orchestration is amazing, with lots of interesting string bowings and harmonics. "The Eclipse" builds up to the climax of the movie perfectly. Most of the score is for a small string section, with a little percussion and horns, making it very intimate. If you're an Elfman fan and like sad music, you won't be disappointed.

Let me say before the rest is written that this review won't be long, as the score is very short. I located this album after much looking and deliberation in a rare music store in Manhattan. I took my CD player empty just to listen to it on the way home. The "Main Titles" swell through the speakers with deep, sorrowful string sweeps. There isn't much percussion or much brass in this score. It was probably kept this way to give the films music a much more sad and personal feel.

"Vera's World" gives the score is sickening feel to it at the point its presented because of Vera's tragic condition. "Ferry Ride"...the most unexpected plot twist in the movie, the music gives a great (dare I say what everyone else has said) schizophrenic feel to it. "Sad Room" is a mini-flashback scene that uses one good, slow pan around the room in the movie and the music is as melancholy as the imagery. Much music from the movie is skipped from here all the way to "Eclipse". Dark bass and pounding percussion (one of the few times its used) keep the track pulsating then it eases off into sweeping strings and Elfman's trademark wordless boys choir.

The "Finale" is a beautiful, almost tear-jerking cue. The ULTIMATE string sweep on the entire score. It makes it worth all the money. Lets not forget Elfman's always good "End Credits". Opening with another showing of his wordless choral genius, it leads into a montage of the scores best moments including when they show the sky turning red during the eclipse scene, the music there is so beautiful. At 30:13, its far too short, thanks to those damn orchestra re-use fees.

Its lodged in my CD player. If you can find it, it will be in yours too.

It's a score that you must be pay attention, and listen many times... A SHORT Score, too short... ''Vera's World'', ''Eclipse'' and ''End Credits'' are the highlight of this score... Overall, it's a good music...